A rollercoaster of emotions and comical surprises
GEORGE Kasunoki Miller, also known as Joji, is a Japanese-Australian singer-song writer famous for incorporating multiple genres into his music, SUCH AS R&B, HIP-HOP, AND LO-fi. IN 2018, HE RELEASED HIS DEBUT ALBUM “BALLADS 1,” FOLLOWED BY “NECTAR” IN 2020, AND HIS LATEST ALBUM, “SMITHEREENS” RELEASED IN 2022.
With his impeccable music and flair, he topped multiple charts and won the UK Music Video Award for Best Editing in a Video in 2022 for his hit song “Glimpse of Us.” On top of that, the track has also reached over a billion streams, together with his 2018 track “Slow Dancing In The Dark” on Spotify. Currently, he is on a Pandemonium world tour, with Manila as one of the few stops in Asia.
Notably, Joji held his first concert in Manila on November 28, 2023, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. To the fans’ delight, they loaded up the venue with liveliness as they exchanged memes and dressed in all-pink suits. The band delivered an electrifying rock opening as Joji appeared on the screen, preparing backstage before ascending the artistically mounted LED cube platform.
For the night’s first track, Miller compellingly performed “Sanctuary,” a warm R&B electropop track encouraging one to find refuge in this bustling life. “Yeah Right” alternatively has despondent lyrics about a one-sided relationship. Moreover, Miller introduced his crew with SavageRealm as a hypeman, Isaac Sleator on keys, Joshua Snow on guitars, and the Bear on drums. Joji and his band had amusing chemistry and comical exchanges that ensured that the concertgoers had a pleasant time the entire evening.
Switching back to a hopeful point of view, “Night Rider” reminds listeners to persevere and have self-confidence regardless of the situation. Following this, one of his earliest songs, “Will He,” is relatable for those dealing with a breakup who only mean well for their previous partner.
The track “Daylight” is an upbeat song about the melancholy of heartbreak and the struggle to move on to regain one’s self. Meanwhile, “Yukon” is a composition about the uncertainties on the road to selfdiscovery while maintaining one’s determination to succeed.
The singer remarked, “I need to come down real quick. I need to get a good look at the crowd,” after witnessing the lively gathering.
“Pretty Boy” is a number the audience naturally bounced to with its rhythmic beats, where its lyrics express the confidence and burdens obscured from the public that comes with his circumstances. Furthermore, “Worldstar Money” is a track comparable to a cry for help that depicts internal struggles and feelings of helplessness.
“I Don’t Wanna Waste My
Time” is another gloomy composition that describes an ambiguous affair between partners unwilling to commit to each other. Amusingly, the band prepared a phone call skit with Obama, having the audience bursting into laughter.
In true Joji humor, as soon as Miller exited the stage for a break, the LED flashed a timer with running liquid audio and visuals to entertain the concertgoers while on standby.
For “Ew,” the audience’s dazzling lights filled the dome as they sang along to the relaxed alternative track about feelings of unworthiness before their partner.
With SavageRealm as the mastermind, the audience sprung up on their feet and danced along to the lively beats of Yebi Labs. On top of that, the crew handed out merch, beach balls, and pool noodles while the mix intensified and exhilarated the fans.
Moving forward, Miller delivered “Die For You,” a piece about unconditional love despite growing apart from their significant other. Likewise, “Like You Do” is a track about cherishing a profound connection with their partner, showcasing the artist’s adeptness in delivering heartrending lyrics.
Thrillingly, as soon as Miller introduced “Afterthought,” the attendees cheered and sang along about the beauty and complexities of being in a relationship. With its fun beat, “Can’t Get Over You” sustained the energy and had the fans bopping along.
Plastic Taste” surprised the fans as one of his earliest tracks from SoundCloud, about the vulnerability and apprehensiveness of the artist. With the fans singing along to every song, the artist couldn’t help but appreciate the fans, stating, “Manila’s the greatest city in the world!” To uplift everyone’s spirits, Miller flawlessly delivered “Gimme Love,” which had everyone chanting the lyrics about one’s desire to be supported and cared for.
Returning for the encore, they couldn’t miss playing fan favorite “Slow Dancing In The Dark,” about searching for meaningful connection with another, which had everyone hooked with the singer’s captivating vocals. Finally, Miller performed “Glimpse of Us,” an enchantingly melancholic track expressing longing for a past lover, with the audience relishing the spellbinding moment.